W& Co Celebrates the Quw’utsun Nation’s Legal Victory for Recognition of Title at Tl’uqtinus Village Lands and Aboriginal Right to Fish
It is with great pride that Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP shares the BC Supreme Court’s judgment on the Cowichan Nation’s Tl’uqtinus land and fishery recovery case on Aboriginal Title and Right to Fish
After conducting the longest running trial in Canadian history on behalf of our clients, we are celebrating the Court’s recognition of Quw’utsun Nation’s Aboriginal title and rights.
It is our privilege to have represented the Plaintiffs, the Quw’utsun Nation’s member communities, the Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Halalt First Nation, as well as the supporting Lyackson First Nation, in advancing their claim for Quw’utsun Nation Aboriginal title to Cowichan Title Lands (at their Tl’uqtinus village lands) and the Aboriginal right to fish on the south arm of the Fraser River (historically known as the Quw’utsun River).
We want to acknowledge and raise our hands to the generations of Quw’utsun Nation leaders who fought for the return of their settlement lands at Tl’uqtinus and their fishing rights on the Fraser River, including the Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Chiefs who brought this case forward as a basis for truth and reconciliation, through the courts.
We also acknowledge the enormous effort of our lawyers, legal assistants, and law students, along with outside counsel, who assisted in advancing our clients’ claim. Not only have they dedicated over ten years to this case, but they have done so with grace, professionalism and dedication.
“As was our mission, we are honoured to have delivered transformative change for the Quw’utsun Nation in this era of reconciliation and decolonization,” – Lead Counsel David M. Robbins
We are taking time to meet and review the judgment on the Quw’utsun Nation Aboriginal Title and Right to Fish with our clients and would ask that any inquiries of legal counsel, including requests for interviews or speaking engagements, be directed to media@woodwardandcompany.com.